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6 Reasons to Fast (Even If You're Not Trying to Lose Weight)

As many of you know, I was recently contracted for a second book deal with Dr. Kellyann Petrucci—to write another “For Dummies” book, this one on Intermittent Fasting. This is exciting. There are scarcely any mainstream books on this subject matter, and I look forward to bringing the practice of Intermittent Fasting to the masses.

[You can pre-order the book HERE. If you are interested in Intermittent Fasting, or are already practicing IF, I think you will find the information in this book to be tremendously useful.]

I will talk more on that book in an upcoming post. For now, I want to briefly overview Intermittent Fasting and tell you why I think it’s worth your while, even if you’re not trying to lose weight.

In brief, intermittent fasting is when a man puts himself into a position of voluntary poverty with regards to food. He skips breakfast for a day. And maybe lunch and dinner too, depending. It’s the practice of not eating for a while, and, every once in a while, it’s something I believe everyone should practice.

Here are a few reasons why:

Burns FatFasting cuts through body fat like a warm knife through butter, so quickly that you might even witness the excess dripping down your leg and into your sock. It leans you out and quick too. Largely this is due to a stark reduction in calories. But also is it due to the striking or a more balanced hormonal profile (see point 3).

Boost Brain PowerIntermittent fasting spurs the growth of new brain cells, surges neurogenesis, and detoxifies that 2.8lb ball of pinky flesh. It keeps the brain clean, so to speak, and wards off the odds of premature cognitive decline to some considerable extent.

Optimizes HormonesFasting keeps insulin in check, which, when let run amok accelerates the aging process and bullies other hormones into submission. Not good. Fasting beats insulin down, encouraging growth hormone, our natural fountain of youth, to surge, and glucagon, the fat-burner, to go about his business uninterrupted.

Boosts Energy Fasting is slightly stimulating, as it has been shown to increase adrenal response. In part, this promotes lipolysis (fat burning), but it will also give you the added benefit of alertness and enhanced productivity. I do most of my “work” while fasted, as I’m hardly productive after a large meal.

It’s MedicinalFasting is the world’ oldest cure all. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, once said “instead of medicine, fast for a day.” Almost all animals, except humans, fast instinctively when sick or injured. And it works too. Fasting allows the body to repair itself and to flush out toxins—both of these processes are severely inhibited in a fed state. The old axiom of “feed a cold, starve a fever” is misquoted. Originally, it was “IF you feed a cold, you’ll have to starve a fever”.

Fasted exercise helps to lean you out more quickly (increases lipolysis) and build muscle more efficiently (improves insulin sensitivity).

My recommendation here is micro-fasting (16 hours of fasting, 8 hours of eating). That is, skip breakfast, train around eleven or noon, then break your fast with your post workout meal. Because the muscle will be hungry, make this your largest and carb-heaviest meal of the day.

Quick post today, as I’m traveling and got places to be, ya know?

But I’d like to hear what you have to say about intermittent fasting.

What has been your experience with intermittent fasting? Like it? Hate it? Please share your thoughts, or leave any question you may have in the comment section.

Here’s What I Got Lined Up For Inner Circle Members This Month

CLICK HERE to try out the Inner Circle for a month. No obligation. Cancel anytime.4 Full Strength and Conditioning Programs, Each One With a Specific Emphasis:

The Great Unnameable Strength Program, Phase 2A continuation on what is perhaps the ultimate general physical preparedness program for efficiently building the full spectrum of strength, muscle, mobility, and capacity.

The Muscle MakerA specialized program variation designed for those who specifically want to add muscle mass. This is NOT a kettlebell only program. No need to use a spoon to dig a whole when you can use a shovel.

The Fat BlasterSummer is coming to a close, but with the fat-blaster, you can still make it to the beach and turn some heads. This high-impact S&C program is heavy on metabolics, intermittent fasting, and all the other “tricks” for stripping fat fast.

The Time-CrunchedSpecifically for those who want to get in and out of the gym in 30 minutes of less. The Time-Crunched is a GPP program designed to provide maximum impact in the least amount of time possible.

Specific Nutritional ProtocolsThere will be specific nutritional and, if it be necessary, supplementation protocols to go along with each program. These are essential for success.

“The Deleted Scene” From Paleo Workouts for DummiesBloopers if you will. I was going to put this into my “For Dummies” book, but I figured Inner Circle members would find it far more enjoyable.

BONUS ARTICLE: THE NO BS, TAKE NO PRISONERS, NO-HOLDS BARRED, STRENGTH BOOST, FAT BLASTING, BOOTY SHAKING,MINIMALIST STRENGTH PROGRAM FROM HELL(?)…NO(!)…WORSE, WISCONSIN!My latest article and full program from Breaking Muscle.

Inner Circle Webinars:

Self-Talk (The Missing Link In Your Fitness Program): How to Program Yourself for SuccessDiscover the power of “self-talk”, and how to you MUST go about talking to yourself, both out loud and in your head if you ever want to realize your true potential. Specific scripts will be given. All you have to do is DO!